What is the basilisk?
The common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus) is a long-tailed lizard of Central America’s Pacific lowlands. Adult males carry tall crests on the head, back and tail. Locals call it gallego; visitors know it as the “Jesus Christ lizard” because it can sprint across the surface of water on its hind legs.
Where to see it in Manuel Antonio
Look along streams, lagoon edges and the vegetation behind the beaches inside the national park and around Quepos. By day basilisks bask on rocks and branches over water; at night they sleep on thin branches, which is why we often find them on our Manuel Antonio Night Tour.
How does it run on water?
Its hind feet have fringed toes that open into paddles. Running fast, the lizard slaps the surface and pushes an air pocket under each foot before it sinks, covering several meters before dropping into the water and swimming.
See one with a guide
Basilisks freeze when they sense people, and their green-brown color blends into the branches. Our naturalist guides spot them and frame them in the Swarovski scope on the national park guided tour and the Manuel Antonio Night Tour.